Overview
Tues-Sun: 10am-4:30pm
Parking: No fee | Dogs: No dogs allowed in Tilden Nature Area
Tilden Nature Area Environmental Education Center (EEC)
1500 Central Park Drive
Berkeley, CA 94708
(510) 544-2233
Toll Free: 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757), option 3, ext. 4564
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Park Activities
Tilden Nature Area is a 740-acre preserve located just North of Tilden Regional Park. With over 10 miles of hiking trails, the preserve contains a blend of native and introduced plant communities, including oak/bay woodlands, grasslands, eucalyptus forests, and streams. Hikes range from the leisurely, self-guided Jewel Lake Nature Trail to a vigorous climb up Wildcat Peak (elevation 1,211 ft.) for panoramic, San Francisco Bay views. A 750-foot boardwalk through the woods leads to Jewel Lake, a historic reservoir and waterworks, and a peaceful place to watch wildlife.
At Tilden Nature Area one can also find the renowned Environmental Education Center (EEC), the headquarters for the area's interpretive programs, and the historic Little Farm.
Park Hours
| AREA | DATES | OPEN HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| Tilden Nature Area | Open Daily | 5am - 10pm unless otherwise posted or permitted |
| Environmental Education Center (EEC) (510) 544-2233 | Open year-round Tue - Sun Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day | 10am - 4:30pm |
| Little Farm (510) 544-2233 | Open during regular park hours | Open during regular park hours |
| Indian Camp Gate Schedule | The Indian Camp parking lot gate opens at 8am daily and is locked around sunset. | Indian Camp Gate Schedule: Jan 1-Feb 9: 8am - 6pm Feb 10- Mar 10: 8am - 7pm Mar 11-May 31: 8am - 8pm Jun 1-Aug 31: 8am - 9pm Sep 1-Sep 30: 8am - 8pm Oct 1-Nov 4: 8am - 7pm Nov 5-Dec 31: 8am - 6pm |
View Tilden Attractions (PDF) for a list of current hours and contact details.
To Reach The Park
Maps
Park Accessibility
The Environmental Education Center (EEC) is accessible to persons with disabilities. It has accessible parking and facilities.
Accessibility Resources
Access Northern California, in partnership with BORP, provides information related to accessibility at Tilden Nature Area. Access Northern California Tilden Nature Area Accessibility Page
(Disclaimer: The Park District has not reviewed and does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by Access Northern California Accessibility.)
Attractions
View Tilden Attractions (PDF) for a list of current hours, fee information, and phone numbers.
Environmental Education Center (EEC)
The Tilden Environmental Education Center provides exhibits and public programs that highlight the diverse resources of the Tilden Nature Area. The District intends to replace the existing EEC with a new facility of a similar size. For more information about this project visit the Tilden EEC Replacement Project webpage.
The naturalist staff offers interpretive programs throughout the year. Thousands of urban youngsters have learned their first lessons about nature at the EEC or met their first farm animal at the Little Farm next door. Naturalist-guided programs for school groups and other organized groups are available Tuesday through Friday by advance registration. See our Educator Resources information for details or call the EEC at (510) 544-2233. Weekend programs provide exciting opportunities to learn about natural and cultural history throughout the Park District's Northwest region. Go to our Naturalist Programs page to download our monthly program guide for a list of upcoming activities.
Inside the EEC you can explore exhibits that tell the story of the Wildcat Creek Watershed, find information on park activities, and purchase nature-related books and materials at the nature center store.
Little Farm
The Little Farm was built in 1955 and features a variety of farm animals including cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, and pigs. Several heritage breeds are preserved here, including Milking Shorthorn Cattle. Visitors are welcome to bring lettuce or celery (but nothing else) to feed the animals download our Little Farm Brochure (PDF),
Bikes
All bikes are prohibited in the area of the Tilden's Environmental Education Center (EEC) and Little Farm, or on any single-track trails in the Tilden Nature Area. To access Wildcat Creek Trail from the south, bikers must use the loop road above the EEC and Little Farm to Jewel Lake. Mountain Bikes are not allowed on the Laurel fire road connecting the Nimitz Way to the loop road.
Camping
Two group campsites are located in Tilden Nature Area--New Woodland (capacity 50) and Wildcat View (capacity 75), both located about one-quarter mile from the end of Lone Oak Road off Central Park Drive. For reservations, call 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2. All reservations must be made at least 14 days in advance.
Dogs
Dogs are NOT permitted in the Tilden Nature Area.
Visit our Dog Information page.
